‘We can’t keep counting bodies’ – Obi tackles Tinubu govt over Benue, Plateau, Niger attacks

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government over the recent attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to lose lives while communities are left vulnerable.

Obi raised the concern in a statement on Sunday, reacting to attacks that have reportedly left dozens dead, others abducted and homes destroyed across the three North-Central states.

He cited the recent attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 23 people were officially reported dead, while residents reportedly put the figure above 30.

More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed.

Obi also referred to recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where over 40 people were reportedly killed and more than 100 abducted. He noted that the figures remained contested.

He said communities in Benue State were also facing repeated attacks, abductions and destruction of homes and livelihoods.

“Nigeria is not officially at war, yet citizens are being attacked in their villages, abducted after prayers, driven from their homes and stripped of their farms,” Obi said.

According to him, the attacks across the three states should no longer be treated as separate incidents but as a wider national security challenge requiring urgent action.

He called on governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response and protect communities vulnerable to attacks.

Obi also urged security agencies to rescue abducted Nigerians and arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.

He added that protecting lives and property remained the basic responsibility of government.

“Nigeria must not become a killing field,” Obi said.